AID — The idea in the tournament is to advance. Just ask the Symmes Valley Lady Vikings.

Despite a sluggish performance, the Lady Vikings blanked the South Gallia Lady Rebels 10-0 in five innings Saturday to win the Division IV sectional championship.

“We didn’t play with any intensity. We can’t afford to play like this the rest of the tournament. The competition really steps up from here,” Lady Vikings coach Jeff “Odie” Estep said.

The Lady Vikings got a run in the first inning when Emily Bowling reached on an error, stole second base and came home on a hit by Megan Coomes.

Symmes Valley added a run in the second inning to lead 2-0.

Haily Pelletier was safe on an error, stole second and Kayla Justice followed with a run-scoring single.

The lead went to 4-0 in the fourth inning.

Pelletier singled with one out and Justice was safe on an error. Kathryn Myers had a base hit to score Pelletier. Mandi Estep grounded into a fielder’s choice as Justice scored.

Symmes Valley scored six times in the fifth inning to create the 10-run mercy rule.

Tasha Pointer singled, Libby Ash walked and Pelletier singled in a run. Justice walked to load the bases and Myers drilled a three-run double.

Mandi Estep walked, a passed ball put the runners at second and third, and Bowling singled home both runners to end the game.

Mandi Estep allowed just one hit, struck out 10 and did not walk a batter to get the win.

Symmes Valley, 21-3, hosts Fairland on Monday before playing Southeastern Ross (10-9) at 6 p.m. Thursday in the district semifinals.

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Fulks and Gwinn. Mandi Estep and Megan Coomes. W-Estep (10-K, 0-BB). L-Fulks (0-K, 6-BB). 2B-Symmes Valley: Kathryn Myers. Hitting-South Gallia: Clare 1-2; Symmes Valley: Haily Pelletier 2-3, Kathryn Myers 2-2, Emily Bowling 1-3, Megan Coomes 1-3, Tasha Pointer 1-3, Kayla Justice 1-3.